When Marcia was nominated to be Gamma Alpha’s first President, she tried to decline on the basis of being extremely busy as principal of a new school, but was told that we never say "No" in Delta Kappa Gamma. So, Marcia became the first President of Gamma Alpha in the middle of a biennium.

"The first State convention that the chapter went to was at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn. It was a wonderful bonding time for several of us," says Marcia. "In those days," Marcia continues, "we were strongly encouraged to dress correctly, i.e. suits or dresses, hats, gloves for luncheons, and formal gowns for the Saturday night dinner and Parade of Presidents."

Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpha Iota State, did not know what hit them when they created the Gamma Alpha Chapter. "We began challenging the formal attire, and later by challenging the State organization for holding the State Convention at the Partlind Hotel in Grand Rapids because of the politics of the owners, which happened to be anti-education," says Marcia.

"For the first several years," says Marcia, "we were called the new babies. Paula Dent, Betty Brogan, Betsey Cooper and Kathryn Walker all took us under their wings and nurtured us along. We were the new babies and rebels all wrapped in one!"

Certainly Marcia’s influence was felt, along with all the founding members. Women no longer feel they have to dress so primly, but there is still a standard of professionalism that we all adhere to.

Now for some enlightening information about Gamma Alpha’s Charter president. Marcia graduated from Wayne State University in 1961. She began teaching in Livonia and taught upper elementary grades for nine and a half years. She then became a Teacher of the Gifted for six and a half years. During this time, she was developing programs in Livonia and speaking all around the state of Michigan. Marcia became principal of Lincoln Elementary in Livonia in 1977, Assistant Principal at Stevenson High School in 1978. Marcia left Livonia and went to Northville as Principal of Silver Springs in 1979. She remained at Silver Springs for four years. Marcia was appointed Director of Curriculum in 1983. Marcia then went to Walled Lake as principal of Maple in 1984. She became principal of Hickory Woods in January of 1991. Marcia retired in June, 1994 after 33 years of teaching, opening many schools and obviously packing numerous boxes from the many moves she made. Marcia loved her years of teaching and being a principal. She worked many hard and long hours.

Marcia is thoroughly enjoying her retirement. She is busier that ever and states that she doesn’t know how she found time to work! She is enjoying her family, especially her grandchildren. She often gets together with longtime friends. Marcia is part of a study group whose job it is to read quality literature. The group is affiliated with Brandeis University National Women’s Committee. Marcia is Acting Secretary for the Walled Lake Schools’ Foundation for Excellence. She sleeps in every morning. Waking up at 7:00 am each day is a luxury after years of getting up at 5:00 am.

"Being a Delta Kappa Gamma, Gamma Alpha member, has been a rewarding experience," says Marcia. "Being the first president, living through the struggles of what this organization was all about, and trying to communicate it to our members, new and old, proved to be quite a challenge. I’m glad we made it through all those tough, first years. I, personally, am very proud of the group we have become. While I haven’t been as active in the last few years, I have still felt that my absence was understood, and that I could always come back in the fold. The warmth of our chapter has been second to none." Welcome back to the fold, Marcia.

Here is Marcia in her retirement attire with her granddaughter, Kelsey. No white gloves, Marcia!